Washington DC Area Film Festivals - Feburary and March 2026
D.C. Black History Month
Feb. 20, 2026
Location: Lincoln Theatre, 1215 U Street NW, Washington, DC 20009
Visit the DC Black History Month Festival website
Celebration of Black storytelling and local cinema with documentaries, classic films, contemporary works, panels, and cultural programming (free event). SOLD OUT
Mother Tongue
Feb. 19-22, 2026
Location Film viewing at various venues in Washington D.C.
Visit the Mother Tongue Film Festival website
This festival, in its 11th year, showcases films from around the world in multiple languages, including works by and about Asian, Asian-American, Native Hawaiian, and Pacific Islander communities. It’s a strong choice if you’re looking for culturally rich, language-centered storytelling. The festival is free and held at Smithsonian-affiliated venues throughout Washington, D.C.
Capital Irish
Feb. 26-March 1, 2026
Location: American Film Institute, 8633 Colesville Road, Silver Spring, MD 20910
Visit the Capital Irish Film Festival website
Annual festival showcasing the best in contemporary Irish films, including features, shorts, art cinema, and filmmaker Q&As. Focuses on independent voices from Ireland.
ReelAbilities International
Jan. 25-March 8, 2026
Location: Film viewing at various venues in Washington D.C.
Visit the ReelAbilities Film Festival website
The largest festival in the U.S. celebrating the stories, experiences, and creativity of people with disabilities. Highlights films that inspire understanding, awareness, and appreciation of diverse abilities.
New African
March 13-March 26, 2026
Location: American Film Institute, 8633 Colesville Road, Silver Spring, MD 20910
Visit the New African Film Festival website
Celebrates African filmmaking from across the continent and diaspora with screenings of features and documentaries at the AFI Silver Theatre.
DC Environmental
March 19-March 28, 2026
Location: Film viewing at various venues in Washington D.C.
Visit the DC Environmental Film Festival website
This longstanding festival features independent documentaries and films focused on environmental and social issues. The 34th Annual Festival will spotlight films with themes of environmental justice, innovation, and resilience.